Trout man Loc: Alabama

jerryc41 good to know. I did setup my desktop to look like 7 but I guess I miss when I hit the start button I use to get programs listed. I haven't tried lately to download a movie player. I looked at that 6 months ago but not lately. I'm sure you're aware that hitting the Window+m keys will take you back to your desktop. I found that out by accident and I use it a lot. Like I said, I don't spend enough time learning W8.1. D7100 for Xmas and hey I'm outside every chance I get so W8.1 is on definite hold.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I was amazed when I read that Ms removed the DVD capability from its OS. They're not rich enough?

I didn't know about Windows+M, but it works on Win7, too. I always use the little icon in the Taskbar.

Trout man Loc: Alabama

You're right I've had 64 for so long I forgot my old XP was just 32. We had some 128 where I worked and hey now that was fast.

balexander101 Loc: Occoquan VA

I have Windows 8 and Norton and have had no problems with either one. They work great!

Trout man Loc: Alabama

Not had any issue either and use Forefront. W8.1 does have advantages and I guess the touchscreen doesn't hurt.

singleviking Loc: Lake Sebu Eco Park, Philippines

WIN8 and WIN8.1 both have faster drivers and implement the multicores of your CPU better and is more stable. It is an improvement when you finally get all the updates installed and there seems to be more updates coming each week. There's also improved video drivers that are coming out all the time if you have a good video card so keep track of those as well. I know that I have no use for the METRO SCREEN like most of us "oldtimers".
The big problem with failing HDDs in older laptops was the heat buildup inside the unit and quality of the old drives, but with new HDDs, new low power SSDs and improved ventilation designs, even fast laptops seem to run cool. They're using the i7 4700HQ now which seem to run pretty cool with the new portable processors using a lot less power and having the turbo feature when required. I was surprised at how cool the ASUS G750JX runs even when it's loaded with 32 Gig of RAM and a 1 Terabyte WD Hybrid HDD/SSD, a 1 Terabyte Samsung SSD and an NVIDEA 770 with another 3 Gig of DDR RAM installed. Now if only they could come up with a battery that will power this thing for longer than a few hours at best without being tethered to an electrical outlet.

Giugly01 Loc: Woodstock, NY

:thumbup:

GPappy Loc: Finally decided to plop down, Clover, S.C.

All of this hatred with new operating systems is really funny to me. I remember my Grandfather saying pretty much the same thing about automatic transmissions! "I am perfectly capable of shifting my own gears and don't need anybody doing it for me!" These days semi trucks even have automatic transmissions.
You all might as well get used to win8 and that style of interface. It is a push to the tablet style computer. In the near future desktop and laptop designs will be a thing of the past. Tablet design is here for the long run. (However long that actually is will be the question)
Win8 and 8.1 are fine systems. The upgrade to 8.1 isn't all that great as the so called "start" button doesn't actually do any more than the windows key. Now you just use the "search" button for finding anything and everything. :idea:

banjonut Loc: Southern Michigan

Jerry, don't listen to these people. I downloaded a small program called "classic shell". I got the info from MT Shooter. Makes Win 8-8.1 look just like Win 7 PLUS you can have the Win 8 interface. Either one. Your choice. The people that claim to hate Win 8 probably also claim to hate that new fangled sliced bread.

singleviking Loc: Lake Sebu Eco Park, Philippines

Beware of using Microsoft's OS warranty organization since most of the time you will be directed to outside contractors who will try to sell you system fixes and tell you that your system is corrupted. Go to the MS System Bulletin Boards and forums to learn about fixes instead of paying these sharks. Some of these thieves will try to charge you up to $250 to fix something that may only require a downloadable patch from the MS website.

And I too downloaded the "Classic Shell" program patch to get my WIN8.1 looking and acting just like WIN7 which has easy menu access that I was used to.

Giugly01 Loc: Woodstock, NY

:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

amadjuster Loc: Amarillo, TX

Norton IS a virus..

Underwaterant

I'm unsure why you don't just take it back.

billybob40

In what we our doing working with photography,WINDOWS XP PRO IS THE BEST FOR US.
YES I have xp,7 ,8 also have 10 working PCs and 4 laptops. Why ????????????????????

nedell Loc: Holland NY USA

You seem to have gathered a lot of useless answers on this question.
I think you may have a conflict between windows firewall and a virus protection program firewall. If both are attempting to work you will get a conflict and should turn one off. Usually the windows firewall as antivirus program will not work correctly if you turn off theirs.
As far as antivirus programs; the computer most likely came with a trial version of Norton (mine did). I have tried that in the past and found it too be a resource hog that really slows the computer. I have used McAfee for most of ten years and am generally very satisfied. Turning of some items like checking each website you go to makes it work quicker with seemingly little impact on its major functions.
A word of caution: don't sign up with mcafee for automatic renewal of their software. The program can be found much cheaper online that what they charge on their website. It's just that you have to spend some time looking. December is usually best to find a deal, or after January if you can wait. A three license program is best if you have a desktop and laptop or any combo of three or less.